Funeral of the Killed at Fort Donelson

As previously announced, the train from Chicago on Saturday morning bore the remains of George Howell, Edward Peterson, C. H. Lenhart, Wm. Myers, Selucius G. Page and Wm Guthrie, who were killed at Fort Donelson February 15^th.  The two last named belonged to Co. B, the others to Co. C.  The bodies were brought here in charge of Mr. I. M. Gifford and Dr. McCarn, and escorted by six members of those companies, viz; Orderly Sergeant Frank M. Suiter, Jules Meredith, J. W. Page, and L. Whitney, of Co. B, and Hiram P. Earhart and M. L. Minor, of Co. C. – The bodies remained at the deport till afternoon, when they were escorted to Metropolitan Hall by the 16^th regiment, under Colonel Chambers, preceded by the Union Band.  The exercises at the Hall commenced with prayer by Rev. Mr. Dimmitt.  Rev. Mr. Butterfield made feeling and appropriate remarks, speaking of the glorious cause in which they fell, and their heroic deaths, and addressing words of comfort and consolation to the afflicted relations of the fallen, and concluding with an exhortation to the soldiers he addressed, to be faithful to their country and to liberty.

Rev. Mr. Anderson pronounced the benediction, after which the procession formed again, and marched to Oakdale Cemetery, where the remains were deposited in the vault, to await the disposition which their friends may wish to make of them.

The Union Band, under Mr. Strasser, interspersed the exercises at the hall with appropriate music.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 1

From The 2d Iowa Regiment

FORT DONELSON, March 1, 1862.

MR. EDITOR:– To “go away from home to learn the news” is emphatically true, as relates to this locality.  Although it is now two weeks since the fight at this place, which resulted so gloriously in replanting the old flag in this part of secessia, we have been unable to get a glimpse of a newspaper to learn what has been going on, except in one or two instances, were we were fortunate enough to get hold of a well thumbed edition of a Chicago daily, whose cash valuation exceeded by far the amount to be discovered in the pockets of any one solder found in these parts since pay-day.  We could well bear this privation if we could get an occasional glimpse of our old friend the Gazette, which despite our many inquiries of the Post-master, fails to come to hand.  In fact the last copy we have received bears the date of Feb. 15^th, which in this age of steam, we are compelled to say is very much behind time.

Since I last wrote you there has been no change in the location of the Iowa Regiments.  The 2d, 7^th, 12^th and 14^th, all that have been here, yet remain, and from appearances there is no immediate forward movement in contemplation as far as I can see.  A portion of Gen. Buell’s division have passed here within the last few days en route for Nashville, and as we understand the rebels intend making a stand, a few miles inland from the above named place, we may expect to hear of a battle, and I guess another rebel defeat.  With the exception of about twenty regiments, which remain to hold this important point, all our forces which were here at the battle, with additional forces which arrived here since that time, have gone up the river, to what point, or what for, we cannot learn until we get a late newspaper.

The boys are all taking a rest since the battle, and we are happy to state, from reports from below, that our wounded are well taken care of at the different Hospitals, and are doing well, being cared for as though they were at home; this in a very great degree, is attributable to the promptness with which the friends at home of the various companies engaged in the fight, responded when notified by the telegraph that Fort Donelson was taken.

During the past week, we have visiting us, delegations of citizens and officials, from Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.  Among the number from our own state is, His Excellency Gov. Kirkwood, Surgeon Gen. Hughes, Hon. Mr. Kellogg of the House, and Dr. McCarn of your city, whose cheerful countenance was gladly welcomed by his old friends, the members of Cos. B, and C.  He arrived her on the 27^th, and since that them has been busily engaged in ascertaining the wants and conditions of the Iowa boys; particularly those hailing from our town.  Today he intends ascertain the possibility of removing the bodies of our gallant dead, to Davenport.  It is likely he will take the bodies of Messrs. Page, and Guthrie of Co. B, and Howell, and Peterson of Co. C, back with him.  The Dr. spent yesterday and last night with us, and this morning I had the pleasure of riding around these most extensive fortifications with him, and of pointing out the different places where the Federal troops attempted to make a breach in the rebel lines, and the place where the Iowa 2d did make the breach, which turned the scale of the battle in our favor.  He expressed great surprise, as all do who visit this spot, - that any body of men could cross the enemies entrenchments without being almost annihilated.

The presence of Gov. Kirkwood was warmly greeted by the Iowa Troops.  He visited the quarters of the different regiments and congratulated the men for their gallantry and success.  Thursday evening he spent at our Regimental Head Quarters, and in response to a serenade from our brass band, made an appropriate little speech, which was enthusiastically received, by the Iowa 2d.  Surgeon Gen. Hughes, Hon. Mr. Kellogg, Col. Tuttle, Lieut. Col Baker, and Dr. Marsh, also answered in like manner to the calls of the crowd.  Our Iowa visitors also honored our dress parade with their presence and expressed much gratification at our proficiency in drill and discipline.

At the solicitation of the Governor, Col. Tuttle gave him our regimental colors to take home with him, to be place in the Hall of Representatives, where all can see the veritable stars and stripes, which first waved over the entrenchments of Fort Donelson, planted they by the gallant sons of the Hawkeye State.

We understand a former resident of Davenport, in the person of Capt. Schuyler, was among the rebels who escaped on the boat with the notorious Floyd, who made such an inglorious retreat, leaving so many of the chivalry of the South to our tender mercies.  We rather guess he heard the Davenport boys were about, and had not impudence enough to stay and meet those from whose friends he had received so many kindnesses.  He may not be so lucky next time.

Affairs hereabout are beginning to assume regularity.  The regiments are settled down to regular camp duty, and are anxious as ever to meet the foe and wipe out the last vestige of rebellion.  It is generally conceded that the backbone of secession, if not broken short off, is seriously dislocated, and beyond the help of Southern surgery.

We understand by the gentlemen from below that Cairo is crowded with the friends of the troops here, who started from home for the purpose of visiting Fort Donelson, but were stopped by the peremptory order of Gen. Grant, which forbids civilians from visiting this place at the present time. – Although this may seem harsh, it is evidently proper, as the great rush would interfere much with the discipline and general routine of military duties.  Among the number there, are many of the officers’ wives, who no doubt are greatly disappointed and indignant that they are denied the privilege of seeing their dears.  All such can expend their sympathy with the wounded and sick soldiers at Cairo and Mound City.

Among the trophies left behind, by the enemy in surrendering this place, are any amount of “love letters” which tender missiles cause the boys much amusement, and of which Capt. Bob, and Orderly Suiter have a sufficient number saved up for future reference, to be dealt out as occasion may require.

Among the arrivals from below I recognize the Clerk of the Court for Scott County.

Hoping to receive a Davenport GAZETTE soon.

I remain as ever,

Jules.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 8, 1862, p. 2

Funeral Notice

The burial ceremonies of the soldiers, members of Cos. B and C of the 2d Iowa Regiment who were killed at the battle of Fort Donelson, will take place this afternoon, Saturday.  The bodies are expected to arrive by train from the east this morning. – They are George W. Howell, C. H. Lenhart, Edward Peterson and --- Myers, of Co. C, and Corporal James W. Page and William Guthrie of Co. B.  The bodies will be conveyed from the railroad depot under the escort of the 16^th Iowa Regiment, to Metropolitan Hall, where short religious services will be conducted by the clergymen of this city, after which the cavalcade will proceed to Oakdale Cemetery.  The services at Metropolitan Hall will be at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.  Body seats in the hall will be reserved for the military.  Carriages will be in attendance for all members of the 2d Iowa who are hear and able to attend.  The cavalcade will be under the direction of Col. Chambers of the Iowa 16^th.

Com.

JOHN L. SWITS,

DAVID S. TRUE,

JOHN L. DAVIES,

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 8, 1862, p. 1

From The Iowa 2d Regiment

FORT DONELSON, Tenn.,

Feb. 20 1862

EDITOR GAZETTE:– Last Thursday morning we found ourselves on the Cumberland river slowly approaching the scene of contest.  At ten o’clock we stopped to wood.  Col. Tuttle said “come boys” and in a moment a lively scene presented itself as officers and men all turned out to prevent our being delayed while wooding.  We all feared we would be too late to participate.  In a few moments we were on our way up the narrow deep stream, the trees on the bank putting forth their buds in the warm sunshine.  We thought we had seen the last of cold weather this winter.

Thursday night we arrived at our destination and felt grateful that we were allowed to remain on board till morning, as it had stormed, rained and snowed and frozen up in a manner that would have done credit to an Iowa climate.  We marched at once to the left wing of the assailing army, taking two days rations and leaving our knapsacks and blankets aboard the McGill.  You that have seen the cold blustering weather of Iowa can imagine our reflections as we flocked around our fires?  We had no axes and could not find much loose wood.  All night long it snowed and blowed and we bade sleep good-bye.  We were half frozen, and in the best kind of a humor to hurt somebody.

The next day passed gloomily away till about one o’clock when Col. Lauman and Gen. Smith appeared and the order was given to “fall in.”  We were informed that it was expected that the left wing of the 2d Iowa should take the outer works at a charge bayonet without firing a shot.

The order was given and we marched out in an open field and ranged in line of battle for the breastworks, half a mile distant.  We kept a good line until we were half way up the hill to the breastworks.  Here the timber had been felled and formed an almost impassible obstacle to a line of infantry.  Their fire opened upon us, when the boys rushed forward over logs and through the brush up the hill in a manner that would have given a gymnast credit.  Their fire was well aimed and took effect on many of our brave comrades.  George Howell, of company C, was the first to fall, and others followed rapidly.  Capt. Slaymaker fell some 25 yards from the breastworks and died most gloriously, flourishing his sword over his head as he raised upon his elbow, cheering his men forward, telling them to “Charge, Charge, go on, go on, give it to them,” until he expired.  Not for one moment did the column falter, but on they rushed leaping over their dying comrades regardless of their sufferings, of danger, of every thing but the  success of our arms.  Revolving rifles poured a shower of bullets into our ranks by direct and flank fire, from behind their embankments.  In fifteen minutes from the time we had the order to fall in our men were over the works, fighting a hand to hand fight with the few of the enemy that dared brave our bayonets.  The right wing soon came up and fired at us after we had carried their embankments.  Other regiments followed, but as we were in the advance I cannot tell anything of them.  Lieut. Holmes fell on the inside of the breastwork while in advance of the men and was carried from the field.  Sergeant Doolittle fell while gallantly carrying the colors with the advance.  Corporal of company I, raised the banner to support it but a moment, when he fell.  Corporal of company F, grasped it and raising it aloft, feeling at the time that he was sealing his death warrant.  It was a courageous action in one so young to hold his life so cheaply.

In a few moments the enemy had retreated through the woods to an inner work. – Some of the bravest lingered and fired from behind trees.  Numbers of men and officers had fallen.  We were reforming one line when Gen Smith. Came up and told the men, “that we could go through,” and asked if we would go.  He was answered by cheers, and away we went on the run across the hollow to the top of the next hill.  Here we halted and opened a fire on them taking aim and picking off the rebels from behind the trees.  The Col. was stunned by a cannon ball.  Maj. Chipman had been wounded in the beginning of the engagement and the few remaining officers could not control the men if they had wished to. – The enemy had adopted the Indian style of fighting, and the 2d soon convinced them that that was a game that was understood by all parties.

No one is conscious of such music as we heard that day, except those who have been on the battle field.  The cannon ball, grape shot, Minnie ball and musket ball, each as a tone of its own.  Not for a moment did it cease, and many a note was sounded much closer to our ears than was agreeable.  Yet all were cool, loading and firing with precision.  Men fell dead without a groan while their comrades fought on as if it were an every day affair.  Lieut. Bing held his ear close to a soldier’s mouth to hear what he had to say, a Minnie ball whistled between them, cutting the Lieut’s hair.  The sentence remained unfinished.  The artillery was brought up and our men were withdrawn to the breastworks, while our cannon opened on their batteries. – Then we carried off our noble Capt.

We held our position till night when hostilities ceased.  The 2d remained all night and thought that that was the severest part of our work.  All needed sleep, but there we stood, no supper and shivered and stamped our feet all night long.  It was a beautiful night, with the full moon in a clear sky, but so cold that our whiskers were gray with white frost and filled with ice.  It was a long night, but not for a moment would we think of leaving what had cost us so dear.  Our left wing made the charge.  We alone had driven them from their works and held them until reinforcements could be brought up.

The 7th Iowa, 14th Iowa, 25th Indiana, and 52d Illinois were on hand, but the enemy did not attempt to make a charge on us.  Our presence, after one bayonet charge, was all that was required to hold the position.  The enemy was completely discouraged.  Sunday morning we prepared to try the next fortress, having replenished our cartridge-boxes.  Cheer after cheer went up from the enemy’s camp.  Far away over the hills we heard their shouts, and supposed that reinforcements had forced through the lines above us to their relief.  Judge of our surprise when an officer came, as fast as his horse could run, shouting, “They have surrendered!”  Shout after shout went up as he passed, loud enough to wake the dead.  Would that it had but for a moment, that they might know that they were not sacrificed for Liberty’s cause in vain.  What joy filled our hearts when we were ordered to lead the army into the fort, and plant our banner on its ramparts.  It was a greater honor than we had dared hope to win; and when we beheld it flying aloft of their white flag, we experienced the greatest pleasure imaginable.  The Confederates appeared joyous, and received us with cheers, and as we filed back past our troops, regiment after regiment cheered for the 2d Iowa.

Sunday night we slept soundly in the log huts within the fort.  Our killed all died in a few moments, with the exception of Capt. Slaymaker, all were buried on the battle-field, on the top of the hill.  Their graves are marked by a board, bearing name, camp, and regiment.  Our men all died bravely.  Not a shriek nor groan mingled with the din of battle.  They dying quietly expired, and the wounded were borne from the field without the least exhibition of their great suffering.  Their bravery detracted much from the horrors of the scene.  It was not like the many descriptions of battles that I have read.  But for the pools of blood we might have supposed our comrades were sleeping.

Sunday morning I for a few moments left the company as they stood on the breastworks, and strolled over the battle ground.  It wanted some hours of day and the full moon shone peacefully upon the [corpses].  I have read of the glaring eyes and gaping mouth of dead soldiers, but here lay my friends asleep; the eyes are closed, the mouth retains its natural position.  This is not like the dead of our homestead.  I could not but kneel by some of those that I thought must still be alive, but their foreheads were cold; they slept the sleep that knows no waking.  There in the silent repose lay friend and foe side by side.

One of the rebels, a religious character, saw their fire take deadly effect on our little band of 300 men, saw them rush boldly into what appeared certain death.  His heart failed him and he was convinced that they were in the right or they would not face death in that manner.  He surrendered, when he might have escaped.  While planting our flag on the fort a negro remarked to his master, “Why massa, you said these ar’ folks is Yankees and they jes looks like you is.” From what he had heard he supposed we were men in the form of demons.  We have possession of Clarksville, and the 2d will move their [sic] tomorrow.

N. A. H.,

Company C, 2d Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 2

Killed and Wounded in Company C

A private letter received in town from Fort Donelson, gives the following names of the Killed and severely wounded.

KILLED.

Capt. J. S. Slaymaker,

George Howell,

Edward Peterson,

____ Myers,

C. H. Lenhart.

SEVERELY WOUNDED.

Lieut. W. H. Holmes,

Sergt. H. B. Doolittle.

Total loss – 5 killed and 25 wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

The Dead Of Fort Donelson

The report of the death of Captain Slaymaker received mournful confirmation by the letter which we publish this morning.  It has been truly said, ‘Death loves a shining mark,’ and seldom has this adage received a more striking exemplification that this sad event.  The advices that give us this intelligence also tell us of the loss of four others of that company, and the wounding of twenty more.

JONATHAN SMITH SLAYMAKER was born on the 31st of March, 1836, at Margeretta, York county, Pa.  On the paternal side, he was descended from an old German family of Pennsylvania; while his maternal grandfather, Jonathan Smith, was long president of the United States bank at Philadelphia, and Gen. Persifor F. Smith, distinguished in the Mexican war, was his uncle.  Among his first occupations, Capt. Slaymaker was engaged as civil engineer on the Pennsylvania Central R. R., the experience there acquired being of service to him in the position he has so recently filled.  Coming to this city in 1856, he remained here, with short intervals, till the breaking out of the war.  At this time, he was among the first to volunteer for the war and was elected by his company first lieutenant, and was with his company mustered into service on the 28th of May.  On the resignation of Capt. Brewster, on the 5th of October, Lieut. Slaymaker was chosen to succeed him, and in that capacity led his company at the ever to be remembered charge at Fort Donelson, which proved so fatal to him.  Of all who have gone from this county to the seat of war, none has left behind a larger circle of will-wishing friends, by all of whom he was admired, not more for his truly soldiery qualities than for the modesty and quiet dignity which eminently characterized him in whatever position he might be placed.  Beloved by all his company, and fearless of danger, he was no doubt foremost in the fight, and perished where the balls fell thickest and fastest.  When this war is over, and its heroes are reviewed, none will stand higher in the esteem of those who have known or heard of him than the modest and gentlemanly captain of Company C.

GEO. W. HOWELL, of this township, is also reported among the dead.  He was a native of New York, and was about twenty-one years of age at the time of his death.  He is the son of Mr. Howell, cotton-batting manufacturer near Duck Creek.  This death has plunged into sorrow a numerous family, of whom he was almost the idol.

EDWARD PETERSON, another of the killed, was a native of Germany, and aged about 20 years.

C. H. LENHART, enlisted at Keokuk.  He was a native of Ohio, and aged about 25 years.

There is no person named Myers mentioned in the Adjutant General’s report.  There is a Martin L. Minor, of Andalusia, mentioned, which may be the person, but it is more probably some person who has joined the company since it left the State.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

The Second Regiment at Fort Donelson

The following letter has been kindly handed to us for publication.  It is from a Sergeant in the late Captain Slaymaker’s Company at Fort Donelson, to his sister [of] this city.  The letter was evidently written in haste but fully confirms what we have before heard of the desperate valor of the Second regiment on that occasion, and the severe loss suffered by one of our own companies. – It is as follows:

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 15th, 1862.

DEAR SISTER: I was in my first battle – the first of the Second Regiment.  We took a fortress, driving out the sharp-shooters, armed with six-barreled revolving rifles.  In fifteen minutes after we received the order we were across their breast works.  We drove them at the point of the bayonet.  The battle lasted two hours and a half, but seemed very short to us all.  Capt. Slaymaker, George Howell, Peterson, Myers, and Lenhart were killed; Lieut. Holmes and Doolittle severely injured.  Total loss five killed twenty-five wounded.

Two bullets passed through my clothing but did not draw blood.

I am tired.  We landed here on Friday morning, and it is now Sunday night, and I have not slept.  We have 10,000 prisoners. – The Second to-day had the greatest honor, and was the first to plant the red, white and blue in the enemy’s stronghold.

Mr. Morrison, flour dealer on Brady street, received a letter last evening from his son, James, also a member of Capt. Slaymaker’s company, in which he states that Lt. Holmes was struck in the leg by a musket ball, and is feared the limb will require amputation.  Capt. Slaymaker was killed while bravely leading on his men, shouting “Come on, my boys; give it to them!” a spent ball stuck him, and the noble soldier perished.  Mr. Morrison was slightly wounded in the foot.  He states that it is thought there are not more than two hundred sound men left in the regiment fit for duty.  All honor to the brave Iowa Second!  Its first meeting with the enemy has been a terrible but glorious one.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1